Scarborough Athletic "shocked and saddened" by damning Sheldon report

The club statement said: “Scarborough Athletic Football Club like many of you would have been shocked and saddened by the independent report by Clive Sheldon QC in to historical sexual abuse in football, and the length of time it had taken for the FA to put in place and meaningful safeguarding measures following a number of convictions in 1995.

“Without going in to great detail, there are a number of recommendations highlighted in the Sheldon report for the FA to consider, these recommendations naturally include all clubs playing in the Premier League through to Grassroots football.

“Scarborough Athletic Football Club has for many years taken safeguarding of our children and young people very seriously and we have been compliant with safeguarding best practice for some considerable time.

“Parents of children and young people involved in Boro’s junior football are aware of our commitment to keeping them safe so they can enjoy the sport they love.

“We have a Board member who oversees safeguarding together with a Club Welfare Officer who is very visible and is known to Junior players.

“Registration and allied documentation is underpinned by safeguarding themes and we have a safer recruitment policy in place.

“All Coaches and Managers are compliant with the FA criminal records checking processes which is regularly reviewed, we also have a number of documents on our website (safeguarding section) that also inform parents and the public of our responsibility.

“These will continue to be updated as necessary to again inform best practice and ensure safety and manage any risk.”